Discover the Top 10 Amazing Health Benefits of Coconut Water
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Aman Priya Khanna 
Quick Summary
- Coconut water is a natural sports drink that is low in calories and carbs.
- It is a good source of electrolytes, which can help to prevent dehydration.
- Coconut water may also help to improve blood sugar control and reduce inflammation.
Have you ever had a sip of tender coconut water in the scorching summer heat and felt like it was the most invigorating drink there is? If so, then you will be interested to know that there are an array of health benefits of coconut water beyond its role as a summertime beverage.
Coconut water is the semi-clear liquid found inside coconuts. Abundant in green coconuts and commonly referred to as nariyalpani in Hindi. It has gained considerable prominence among athletes as an energy beverage compared to other sugary alternatives. Wondering about the benefits of drinking coconut water daily, then stay with us to know it all.
Major Benefits of Drinking Coconut Water on Your Health
There are innumerable health advantages to drinking coconut water, which are as follows:
- Blood Sugar Levels Management: It has a high magnesium content and assists in controlling high blood glucose levels. According to a study conducted by Yanan Dai et al. in 2021 on 48 subjects, it has been shown that coconut water aids in reducing blood sugar, subsequently decreasing retinal and diabetic damage.
- Enhances Blood Circulation: Coconut water nutrition comprises minerals like potassium and sodium that help improve blood flow. Likewise, it helps reduce blood sugar and pressure levels.
- Improved Metabolism: The high amounts of potassium, enzymes, and nutrients present in it enhance your metabolism. It contributes to the loss of extra body calories.
- Strengthen Muscles and Bones: It contains adequate calcium, which hardens your teeth and bones. It also helps in muscle contraction, ensuring efficient functioning.
- Prevents Kidney Stones: It prevents kidney stones from forming in your body by eliminating chlorine and citrate in your urine. As per a recent study conducted by Roshan M. Patel et al. in 2018 on a total of 8 participants, these advantages of coconut water have been proven.
- Promotes Heart Health: Green coconut water is rich in essential minerals, vitamins, amino acids, vitamin C, antioxidants and L-arginine. These help control high blood pressure and sugar and prevent heart diseases.
- Maintains Hydration: The electrolytes like sodium, potassium and magnesium found in coconut water contribute towards maintaining proper water balance, prominently post-workout or while recovering from ailments.
- Enhances Immunity: It comprises lauric acid (a type of saturated fatty acid), which possesses antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral qualities. It will aid in removing harmful bacteria from the body, ultimately boosting your immune system. Also, coconut water vitamins help with immunity buildup.
- Combats Digestive Problems: The minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium found in coconut juice effectively treat diarrhoea. Also, the fibres present in it will impart laxative (facilitate bowel movements) effects. They also act as natural diuretics (medications that aid in reducing fluid accumulation in your body). It will cleanse your gut by eliminating toxins from your digestive tract.
- Restores Energy Levels: Coconut water is rich in electrolytes, minerals and antioxidants that help you retain your stamina after exercising or recuperation. It allows athletes to regain their energy faster.
- Supports Healthy Skin: There are many benefits of coconut water in promoting our skin health. It can manage skin issues like ageing, cancer, photodamage (damage from sunlight), and pigmentation because of electrolytes. These electrolytes penetrate deep inside your skin to provide sufficient moisture, stimulating cell growth and helping in damage repair in skin cells.
- Improves Hair Health: The advantages of coconut water for our hair include dandruff control, a flaky and itchy scalp and reduced intense hair fall. The minerals, vitamins and amino acids in coconut water render these hair benefits.
- Recovers from Hangovers: Electrolytes, natural sugars, and fibres in coconut water ensure quick rehydration and relieve headaches and nausea. It helps regain decreased minerals in your body due to alcohol intake.
- Reduce Excess Body Weight: The coconut juice benefits in weight loss are related to metabolism. It contains high bioactive enzymes and electrolytes. These accelerate your body's metabolic rate.
Nutritional Value of Tender Coconut Water
If you have been wondering what coconut water contains or if coconut water is good for you, keep reading. Nutrients and calories in coconut water are given below in detail:
| Nutritional Value of Tender Coconut Water | Nutritional Value of Mature Coconut Water |
(g/100g) | (g/100g) | |
Energy | 19 kcal | 19kcal |
Water | 94.18 | 94.45 |
Sugars | 5.23 | 3.42 |
Protein | 0.12 | 0.52 |
Carbohydrate | 4.76 | 4.41 |
Lipids | 0.0733 | 0.1482 |
Saturated Fatty Acids | 0.03 | 0.1 |
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids | 0.03 | 0.02 |
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids | 0.0128 | 0.0054 |
Minerals | (mg/100g) | (mg/100g) |
Potassium | 203.70 | 257.52 |
Calcium | 27.35 | 31.64 |
Magnesium | 6.40 | 9.44 |
Iron | 0.02 | 0.02 |
Phosphorus | 4.66 | 12.77 |
Manganese | 0.12 | 0.08 |
Vitamins | (mg/100 dm3) | (mg/100 dm3) |
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | Trace | 0.01 |
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.01 | 0.01 |
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) | 7.41 | 7.08 |
| (mg/g) | (mg/g) |
Amino Acids | 15.51 | 17.61 |
From the above table, you can understand the difference in composition between a mature and a tender coconut, also called a young or green coconut.
Coconut Water: Fresh vs. Packed
Fresh coconut water functions as an enzyme that facilitates metabolism, as its nutrients are the most effective. With time and preservation, the qualities of the nutrients degrade and lose their efficiency.
The coconut water ingredients in packages contain preservatives and other additives that alter coconut water's calories, nutrition and taste. The packaged one has a high sugar content.
Takeaway
There can be innumerable benefits of coconut water for our overall health. It supports significant body functioning, including the performances of almost everybody's digestive, skeletal, muscular and urinary systems.
Coconut water comprises low-calorie nutrients, minerals, vitamins, electrolytes, amino acids and other nutrients. It is also easily available, less expensive and free from most side effects. It makes coconut water popular among people, notably athletes.
If you want to know more about the uses of drinking coconut water, contact a HexaHealth expert. It is your one-stop platform for all your healthcare needs. We can provide a comprehensive view of the uses of coconut water for your well-being and wish you a healthy life ahead!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of coconut water for health?
There are several health benefits of coconut water:
Helps in hydration
Improves bone and muscle health
Provides nutrition and electrolytes essential for metabolism
May help prevent kidney stones
Can reduce blood sugar levels and help control diabetes
May enhance heart health
Download AppWhat is the right way to consume coconut water?
You can have coconut water before and after food. However, it is most effective when consumed on an empty stomach in the early mornings. This will help you feel full for longer hours.
Is coconut water good for weight loss?
Yes, coconut water helps you to lose weight. It has minerals like potassium and several high bioactive enzymes, which enhance your body’s metabolic rate. In this way, it helps your muscles burn more calories.
What are the advantages of consuming coconut water daily?
The advantages of drinking coconut water every day include:
Improves your insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels
Helps in weight management
Coconut water potassium enables decreasing blood pressure
Aids in preventing urinary tract infections
Enables you to become more physically active with increased stamina
Can you explain the nutritional value of coconut water?
Coconut water is filled with significant nutrients in different essential electrolytes and minerals like potassium, manganese, calcium, amino acids, antioxidants, and cytokinins. It includes about 470 milligrams of potassium and is regarded as its best source of it.
What does coconut water contain that makes it beneficial?
Fresh coconut water contains electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, different plant hormones, and amino acids that are necessary for your body to maintain proper fluid balance. It supports other body functions like bone and muscle build-up, optimal heart and kidney performance, and weight loss.
How does coconut water benefit the skin?
There are several advantages of coconut water for your skin as it is composed of vitamins that may assist in reducing your fine lines and wrinkles. Coconut water vitamins include vitamin C, vitamin B2 and vitamin B3.
What are the health benefits of drinking tender coconut water daily?
There are various health benefits of drinking tender coconut water, such as:
Rehydrate your body during sickness and after workouts
Supply important nutrients and electrolytes
Minimise high blood pressure levels and stroke risks
Decrease your added sugar intake
Help you maintain optimal body weight
Promotes healthy skin and hair
Are coconut water rich in vitamins and minerals?
Coconut water is rich in different vitamins and minerals essential for your body in many ways. The vitamins include vitamins B2, B3, B5, B7 or H, B9 and small quantities of vitamin B1. The minerals comprise magnesium, potassium, calcium, manganese and sodium.
When is the best time to drink coconut water for maximum benefits?
The best time to drink coconut water is early in the morning when your stomach remains empty. It helps in immunity build-up, boosts metabolism, and suppresses overeating habits that subsequently render weight loss.
Can people with diabetes safely drink coconut water?
People suffering from diabetes can drink coconut water as its low-sugar content helps them manage elevated blood sugar levels and reduce diabetic retinal damage. Yet, they need to limit their consumption (i.e., 200 ml in a day) to avoid getting hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood).
Can you provide insights into the advantages of green coconut water?
Green or young coconut water serves many health advantages, for example:
Prevents dehydration and provides energy
Helps manage blood pressure
Acts as an appetite stimulant
Assists in developing immunity
Makes your bones and teeth stronger
Are there any side effects of consuming coconut water?
There are a few adverse effects of coconut water if taken in excess amounts in persons, such as:
With hyperkalemia
Kidney patients
Patients with cystic fibrosis
Persons going for and after surgeries
Pregnant woman
How can drinking coconut water benefit hair health?
Drinking coconut water daily usually has many health advantages, but drinking too much might be harmful. In some individuals, it may cause bloating and stomach upset, especially those with irritable bowel syndrome.
What happens if you drink coconut water every day?
Although there are many health advantages of coconut water if you drink it every day, you must ensure to take it in proper quantities. Excessive drinking may trigger stomach issues and flatulence.
What is the recommended daily intake of coconut water?
The recommended daily intake of coconut juice or water is 1 or 2 cups for each person.
Can coconut water be beneficial for diabetes patients?
Drinking coconut water for diabetic patients is usually considered safe for its low sugar content, but they must limit their intake to 200 ml per day.
Who should not consume coconut water?
Patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, high diabetes and severe kidney problems shouldn’t drink coconut water.
What are the effects of consuming coconut water on the body?
Coconut water provides your body with hydration and antioxidants that have a detoxifying effect on your body.
Are there specific minerals present in coconut water?
There are various essential minerals in coconut water, like potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium and manganese.
Can coconut water be helpful for overall health and well-being?
Yes, there are many benefits of coconut water on your health and welfare, such as:
Providing hydration
Detoxifying your body
Supplying your body with vital nutrients
Does drinking coconut water have any side effects?
Yes, there may be a few side effects of drinking coconut water for people suffering from hyperkalemia, kidney problems or cystic fibrosis, depending on their condition.
What are the well-known coconut water benefits for males?
Coconut water benefits for males include:
Increasing stamina and athletic performance
Curing infertility
Increasing sperm count
Ensuring optimal erectile functioning
Enhancing sexual performance
What are the benefits of coconut water for women?
Coconut water benefits for females are:
Regulating hormones and uterus functions
Relieving menstrual cramps
Combating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Supporting a healthy pregnancy
What will happen if I drink coconut water daily?
Drinking coconut water for 7 days has numerous benefits for your body, ensuring:
Electrolyte balance
Hydration
Proper digestion
Weight control
Compensating nutrient deficiency
References
All the articles on HexaHealth are supported by verified medically-recognized sources such as; peer-reviewed academic research papers, research institutions, and medical journals. Our medical reviewers also check references of the articles to prioritize accuracy and relevance. Refer to our detailed editorial policy for more information.
- Rethinam P, Krishnakumar V. Health Benefits of Coconut Water. In: Rethinam P, Krishnakumar V, editors. Coconut Water: A Promising Natural Health Drink-Distribution, Processing and Nutritional Benefits [Internet]. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2022 [cited 2023 Oct 30]. p. 385–455.
- Lopez AS. A concise review on tender and mature coconut water: Its application in food. 2023 [cited 2023 Oct 30]
- Dai Y, Peng L, Zhang X, Wu Q, Yao J, Xing Q, et al. Effects of coconut water on blood sugar and retina of rats with diabetes. PeerJ [Internet]. 2021 Jan 29 [cited 2023 Oct 30];9:e10667
- Nitbani FO, Tjitda PJP, Nitti F, Jumina J, Detha AIR. Antimicrobial Properties of Lauric Acid and Monolaurin in Virgin Coconut Oil: A Review. ChemBioEng Rev [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2023 Oct 30];9(5):442–61
- Tuyekar SN, Tawade BS, Singh KS, Wagh VS, Vidhate PK, Yevale RP, et al. An Overview on Coconut Water: As A Multipurpose Nutrition. Int J Pharm Sci Rev Res [Internet]. 2021 Jun 15 [cited 2023 Oct 30];68(2)
- Yong JWH, Ge L, Ng YF, Tan SN. The Chemical Composition and Biological Properties of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Water. Molecules [Internet]. 2009 Dec 9 [cited 2023 Oct 30];14(12):5144–64.
- Ekasari CP, Widyarti S. The physicochemical properties comparison of the natural coconut water and the packaging coconut water. IOP Conf Ser Earth Environ Sci [Internet]. 2019 Dec [cited 2023 Oct 30];391(1):012021
- Patel RM, Jiang P, Asplin J, Granja I, Capretz T, Osann K, et al. Coconut Water: An Unexpected Source of Urinary Citrate. BioMed Research International. 2018 Nov 1;2018:1–5.
Last Updated on: 12 July 2024
Reviewer
Dr. Aman Priya Khanna
MBBS, DNB General Surgery, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, FIAGES
12 Years Experience
Dr Aman Priya Khanna is a well-known General Surgeon, Proctologist and Bariatric Surgeon currently associated with HealthFort Clinic, Health First Multispecialty Clinic in Delhi. He has 12 years of experience in General Surgery and worke...View More
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